Biological safety cabinet

ABSTRACT

A biological safety cabinet comprises a cabinet body, an experiment chamber, a blower, and a soft material chamber. The cabinet body is cuboid and comprises a first elongated side. The experiment chamber is disposed in the cabinet body. The blower impels air in a direction parallel to the first elongated side. The soft material chamber is connected to the blower, wherein air flows from the blower through the soft material chamber and into the experiment chamber.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a biological safety cabinet, and more particularly to an easily combined and completely sealed biological safety cabinet.

FIG. 1 a shows a conventional biological safety cabinet 10 which comprises a cabinet body 11, an experiment chamber 17 and a gate 16. Gate 16 slides in grooves 13 to open and close experiment chamber 17. A limit switch 12 is disposed in grooves 13 to detect the position of gate 16. A first pipe portion 14 and a second pipe portion 15 extend from cabinet body 11. An outlet 21 is formed on cabinet body 11 for exhaust.

FIG. 1 b shows an inner structure of conventional biological safety cabinet 10 which further comprises a blower 18 and an air chamber 23, disposed in cabinet body 11. When blower 18 blows, air is deflected on an inner wall 22 of air chamber 23 and disturbed and some of the air passes a filter 20 and enters experiment chamber 17 from air chamber 23. The remainder of the air passes a filter 24 and is exhausted from outlet 21. A three-way pipe 19 is connected to air chamber 23, wherein first pipe portion 14 monitors particle density in air chamber 23, and second pipe portion 15 monitors pressure in air chamber 23.

However, conventional biological safety cabinet 10 has shortcomings as follows. First, flow rate of the air blown by blower 18 is very high such that disturbing the air with inner wall 22 of air chamber 23 decreases uniformity of the flow rate. Second, limit switch 12 is disposed in grooves 13, which decreases the air sealing effect of gate 16. Additionally, limit switch 12 is difficult to clean, maintain and dispose. As well, first pipe portion 14 and second pipe portion 15 pass through two openings of cabinet body 11, which decrease the air sealing effect of cabinet body 11.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, a biological safety cabinet is provided. The biological safety cabinet comprises a cabinet body, an experiment chamber, a blower, and a soft material chamber. The cabinet body is cuboid and comprises a first elongated side. The experiment chamber is disposed in the cabinet body. The blower impels air in a direction parallel to the first elongated side. The soft material chamber is connected to the blower, wherein air flows from the blower through the soft material chamber and into the experiment chamber.

With the inclined blowing direction and the soft material chamber of the invention, the air flows according to a shape of the soft material chamber and is deflected to the disturbing portion. Thus, the invention provides uniform flow rate past the second filter, and uniform vertical airflow under the second filter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, given by the way of illustration only and thus not intended to limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 a shows a conventional biological safety cabinet;

FIG. 1 b shows an inner structure of the conventional biological safety cabinet;

FIG. 2 shows a biological safety cabinet of the invention;

FIG. 3 a is a front view of an airflow system of the biological safety cabinet;

FIG. 3 b is a side view of an airflow system of the biological safety cabinet;

FIG. 4 a shows a gate of the invention in a first position;

FIG. 4 b shows the gate in a second position;

FIG. 4 c shows the gate between the first and second positions;

FIG. 5 shows an air detection system of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a biological safety cabinet of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 a is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 b is an exploded view of the structure of FIG. 7 a;

FIG. 7 c shows a bolt in a pass portion;

FIG. 7 d shows a bolt in a fixed portion;

FIG. 8 a and 8 b show detailed structure of portion B of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 c is a sectional view along line D-D of FIG. 8 b;

FIG. 9 a is an enlarged view of a portion C of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 b is an exploded view of the structure of FIG. 9 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 shows a biological safety cabinet 100 of the invention, which comprises a cabinet body 110, a UV light source (not shown) and an experiment chamber 120. The experiment chamber 120 is disposed in the cabinet body 110. The UV light source is disposed in the experiment chamber 120 to provide disinfection thereof. A gate 130 opens and closes a window 124 of the experiment chamber 120. An air inlet 121 is disposed in the experiment chamber 120. A manometer 146 is disposed on the cabinet body. A second pipe portion 142 extends from the cabinet body 110. The cabinet body 110 is cuboid and comprises a first elongated side 112. An outlet 111 is formed on a top of the cabinet body 110 providing air exhaust.

FIG. 3 a is a front view of an airflow system of the biological safety cabinet 100, which comprises a blower 150, a first filter 171, a second filter 172, a soft material chamber 160, air inlet 121 and air outlet 111. The blower 150 comprises a blower outlet 151 and the soft material chamber 160 connects to the blower outlet 151.

Blower 150 impels airflow to the soft material chamber 160 in a direction parallel to the first elongated side 112, and counterclockwise declined 15° with respect to a horizontal plane. The air is deflected on a disturbing portion 161 and disturbed. Air passes the first filter 171 and is exhausted through air outlet ill. The remaining air passes the second filter 172 and enters the experiment chamber 120.

FIG. 3 b is a side view of the airflow system of the biological safety cabinet 100. When the gate 130 is opened, air is impelled through the inlet 121 and an inner wall of the experiment chamber 120, flows along path 123, enters the blower 150 through a blower inlet 152 and is impelled to the soft material chamber 160 by the blower 150.

The soft material chamber 160 is made of canvas.

With the inclined blowing direction and the soft material chamber of the invention, air flows according to the shape of the soft material chamber and is deflected on the disturbing portion. Thus, the invention provides uniform flow rate past the second filter, and uniform vertical airflow under the second filter.

FIG. 4 a shows a gate system of the invention, detecting position of the gate 130, which comprises a first detector 131, a second detector 132, a weight 133 and a transmission mechanism 136. The transmission mechanism 136 comprises a line 134 and a pulley block 135. The line 134 is connected to the gate 130 and the weight 133 running through the pulley block 135. The first detector 131, the second detector 132, the weight 133 and the transmission mechanism 136 are disposed in the cabinet body 110. When the gate 130 is in a first position, the window of the experiment chamber 120 is closed, and the weight 133 contacts the first detector 131 in a first position. The first detector 131 emits a first detection signal to a controller (not shown). The controller shuts down the blower and activates the UV light source.

As shown in FIG. 4 b, when the gate 130 is in a second position, the window 124 of the experiment chamber 120 is opened, and the weight 133 contacts the second detector 132 in a second position. The second detector 132 delivers a second detection signal to activate an alarm (not shown) outputting a warning signal.

As shown on FIG. 4 c, when the gate 130 is between the first and second positions, the weight 133 is separated from the first detector 131 and the second detector 132. The controller activates the blower and shuts down the UV light source.

The gate detection system and the controller of the invention prevent the UV light source from activating during an experiment, avoiding UV damage to users and biological samples.

The first detector 131 and the second detector 132 are limit switches or other detectors (for example, optical detector) which detect the position of the weight. The invention removes the limit switch from the groove to improve an air seal effect of the gate. Thus, the groove is cleaned more easily.

FIG. 5 shows an air detection system of the invention, which comprises a three-way pipe 140, a manometer 146 and a particle density detection device 145. The three-way pipe 140 has a first portion 141, a second portion 142 and a third portion 143. The first portion extends from the soft material chamber 160, exiting cabinet body 110 through the opening 144. The particle density detection device 145 is connected to the second portion to monitor particle density of the air in the soft material chamber 160. The manometer 146 is connected to the third portion 143 to measure pressure of the air in the soft material chamber 160.

The cabinet body 110 has only one opening 144 for the first portion 141, such that the air seal effect of the cabinet body 110 is improved.

FIG. 6 shows a biological safety cabinet 100′ of another embodiment of the invention, which comprises a first filter 171, a second filter 172, a soft material 160, a blower 150, a cabinet body 110 and an experiment chamber 120.

FIG. 7 a is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 6. The biological safety cabinet 100′ further comprises a first frame 240 and a second frame 250. The soft material chamber 160 is fixed on the first frame 240. The first filter 171 is fixed on the second frame 250. The second frame 250 is fixed on an inner side of the cabinet body. The soft material chamber 160 is pre-fixed on the first frame 40 in a soft material chamber fabrication.

With reference to FIG. 7 b, the first frame 240 has a first frame body 243 and a first flange 242. The first flange 242 is disposed on an end surface of the first frame body 243. The second frame 250 has a second frame body 252 and a second flange 254. The second flange 254 is disposed on an end surface of the second frame body 252. A plurality of second flange openings 253 are formed on the second flange 254. The soft material chamber 160 is fixed to an outer surface of the first frame body 243 and fastened by bolts 244.

A plurality of bolts 241 detachably connect the first flange 242 and the second flange 254 through the second flange openings 253 to connect the first frame 240 and the second frame 250 thus, the first filter 171 and the soft material chamber 160 are connected thereby.

As shown in FIG. 7 c, the second flange opening 253 comprises a pass portion 532 and a fixed portion 531. The pass portion 532 is circular. The fixed portion 531 is longitudinal. A diameter of the pass portion 532 exceeds the width of the fixed portion 531. The pass portion 532 is close to the fixed portion 531. When the first frame 240 and the second frame 250 are assembled, as shown in FIG. 7 b, the bolts 241 are pre-disposed on the first flange 242, and the soft material chamber 160 is pre-connected to the first frame 40 in the soft material chamber fabrication. Then, as the first frame 240 is raised, the bolts 241 pass the pass portions 532. As shown in FIG. 7 c, the first frame 240 moves in a direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 c to move the bolts to the fixed portions, as shown in FIG. 7 d. Finally, the bolts 241 are fixed to firmly assemble the first frame 240 and the second frame 250 to, as shown in FIG. 7 a, connect the soft material chamber 160 and the first filter 171.

FIG. 8 a shows detailed structure of portion B of FIG. 6 of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 a, the blower 150 is connected to the cabinet body 110 with a buffer structure 300. The buffer structure 300 comprises a first combination element 310, a second combination element 320 and a buffer element 311. The first combination element 310 is substantially a U-shaped plate. The second combination element 320 is an L-shaped plate. The buffer element 311 is rubber. As shown in FIG. 8 b, the first combination elements 310 are fixed on an inner surface of the cabinet body (not shown). The second combination elements 320 are fixed on the blower 150. The buffer elements 311 are disposed between the first combination elements 310 and the second combination elements 320. In FIG. 8 c, a sectional view along line D-D of FIG. 8 b, the buffer element 311 comprises a flat portion 1111 and a protrusion 1112. The protrusion 1112 is disposed on a central portion of the flat portion 1111. The first combination element 310 is connected to the flat portion 1111 by bolts 312. The second combination element 320 is connected to the protrusion 1112 by bolts 321.

With the buffer structure 300 of the invention, vibration of the blower 150 is absorbed by the buffer elements 311 preventing transmission thereof to the cabinet body 110. An air seal effect of the biological safety cabinet 100′ is therefore improved and the life thereof is extended.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 8 a, the blower 150 is connected to the soft material chamber (not shown) with the frame 330, openings 331, flange 340 and bolts 341. The soft material chamber is fixed to the frame 330.

FIG. 9 a is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 6. With reference to FIGS. 9 a and 9 b, the second filter 172 is cuboid, comprising a mean surface and four side surfaces. A plurality of holes 472 are formed on the mean surface. The soft material chamber 160 is fixed to the side surfaces of the second filter 172. Limitation structures 426 are disposed on the second filter 172 close to the four sides of the second filter 172. The limitation structures 426 abut the soft material chamber 160 on the second filter 172 to prevent separation from the second filter 172.

While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. 

1. A biological safety cabinet, comprising: a cabinet body; a soft material chamber; a first frame, comprising a first body and a first flange disposed thereon, wherein the soft material chamber is fixed to the first body; and a second frame, disposed in the cabinet chamber, comprising a second body and a second flange disposed thereon, wherein the first frame is detachably connected to the second frame.
 2. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soft material chamber is fixed to the first body.
 3. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 2, wherein the soft material chamber is further fastened to the first body by a plurality of bolts.
 4. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first flange is disposed on an end surface of the first body.
 5. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second flange is disposed on an end surface of the second body.
 6. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first flange is connected to the second flange.
 7. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a plurality of bolts, connecting the first flange to the second flange.
 8. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 7, further comprising at least one second opening, disposed on the second flange, wherein the bolts pass the second opening and connect the first flange to the second flange
 9. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second opening comprises a pass portion and a fixed portion, the fixed portion is close to the pass portion, the fixed portion is circular, the fixed portion is longitudinal, and a diameter of the pass portion exceeds the width of the fixed portion.
 10. A biological safety cabinet, comprising: a cabinet body; a blower; a first combination element, disposed on the cabinet body; a second combination element, disposed on the blower; and a buffer element, disposed between the first combination element and the second combination element, and contacting the first combination element and the second combination element.
 11. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first combination element is substantially a U-shaped plate.
 12. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second combination element is an L-shaped plate.
 13. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first combination element and the second combination element are connected to the buffer element by bolts.
 14. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 10, wherein the buffer element is made of rubber.
 15. A biological safety cabinet, comprising: a cabinet body, cuboid and comprising a first elongated side; an experiment chamber, disposed in the cabinet body; a blower, whereby air is impelled in a direction parallel to the first elongated side; and a soft material chamber, connected to the blower, wherein air flows through the soft material chamber and into the experiment chamber.
 16. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the direction is counterclockwise declined 15° with respect to a horizontal plane.
 17. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the soft material chamber comprises a disturbing portion, corresponding to the blower to disturb the air.
 18. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 15, wherein the soft material chamber is made of canvas.
 19. A biological safety cabinet, comprising: a cabinet body; an experiment chamber, disposed in the cabinet body, wherein the experiment chamber comprises a window; a blower, disposed in the cabinet body and impelling air to the experiment chamber; a gate, disposed on the cabinet body, wherein when the gate is in a first position, the window is closed, and when the gate is in a second position, the window is opened; a transmission mechanism, connected to the gate; a weight, connected to the transmission mechanism, wherein when the gate is in the first position, the weight is in a first position, and when the gate is in the second position, the weight is in a second position; a controller; and a detection device, detecting the position of the weight, and transmitting a signal to the controller, wherein the controller activates the blower according to the signal.
 20. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 19, wherein when the gate is in the first position, the blower is deactivated.
 21. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 19, wherein when the gate is between the first position and the second position, the blower is activated.
 22. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 19, wherein when the gate is in the second position, an alarm is activated.
 23. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a UV light source, disposed in the experiment chamber, wherein the controller activates the UV light source according to the signal.
 24. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 23, wherein when the gate is in the first position, the UV light source is activated, and the blower is deactivated.
 25. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 23, wherein when the gate is between the first position and the second position, the UV light source is deactivated, and the blower is activated.
 26. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a line and a pulley block, the line connect in the gate and the weight, running through the pulley block.
 27. A biological safety cabinet, comprising: a cabinet body, comprising an opening; a soft material chamber, disposed in the cabinet body; and a three-way pipe, comprising a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, wherein the first portion extends out of the cabinet body through the opening and is connected to the soft material chamber.
 28. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a particle density detection device, connected to the second pipe to monitor particle density of air in the soft material chamber.
 29. The biological safety cabinet as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a manometer, connected to the third pipe to measure pressure of air in the soft material chamber. 